Deep Saini has come over all Fraser Crane (“go ahead, I’m listening”). Back in January the University of Canberra VC announced an internal review of the assistant professor scheme which is designed to turbo-charge research performance.

Academics in the scheme have up to seven years to build a research record that qualifies them for continuing employment. However it is not popular with senior academics, (CMM October 19), the campus branch of the NTEU (CMM January 14) or people in it – one has lodged a workplace health safety notification (CMM February 1).

In January Professor Saini said he saw “no compelling reason” to abandon the associate prof scheme, but “many of you have pointed out significant areas for improvement and have made valuable suggestions on how to achieve this.” Now he is taking advice on what the review needs to address, including last week from the union.